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California’s Safe Body Art Act, in
effect as of July 1, requires all tattoo and body artists statewide to comply
with licensing, equipment sterilization, training, and other standards. AB 300
also prohibits anyone under age 18 from getting a tattoo, regardless of
parental permission.
The measure goes beyond existing
California Occupational Safety and Health requirements. Its sponsor, Assembly
member Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), said she was motivated in part by
discovering there was previously no statewide regulation of the tattoo and body
art industries. Of California’s 58 counties, only six had some type of
regulations on the books.
Ma, who learned she had hepatitis B
at age 22, said AB 300 is another step in preventing it and other blood-borne
diseases like hepatitis C and HIV.
The American Red Cross requires
prospective blood donors who have received a tattoo in an unregulated state to
wait 12 months before giving blood. Regional ARC officials say they hope AB 300
will help boost donations. “Tattoos have become so mainstream, that
unfortunately it impacts the number of people who are eligible to give here in
Los Angeles,” said Nick Samaniego, spokesperson for ARC’s Southern California
Region. “This is a great move that will hopefully increase the number of people
who can donate blood when we need it.”
Studio City Tattoo owner Clay
Clement said he fully supports the new regulations. “People need to feel safe,”
he said. His shop demonstrates to visitors its one-way disposable system for
needles, ink tubes, and razors. Trained artists use gloves, disinfecting wipes,
and plastic wrap to ensure safety.
“We’re looking forward [to state
regulations] because we’re already there,” said Clement. “You have to get a
state license to cut hair. Why not in our industry?”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
